Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations

Training Details

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to operate an excavator to lift, carry and place materials on civil construction sites, including selecting and using attachments and relocating the machine between work areas. This unit alone does not provide sufficient skill to independently load and unload equipment; RIIHAN308F Load and unload plant or equivalent is also required for that task.

Assessment is competency-based and combines theory with practical demonstration.

The unit covers the core stages of excavator operation:

• Plan and prepare for operations
• Operate the excavator
• Lift, carry and place materials
• Select, remove, fit and use attachments
• Prepare to relocate the excavator
• Conduct housekeeping activities

Find more information on RIIMPO320F – Conduct civil construction excavator operations on training.gov.au.

Learning Outcomes

• Plan and prepare for excavator operations, including hazard identification and selecting the right equipment and attachments
• Carry out pre-start and operational checks, and drive and operate the excavator using techniques suited to site conditions
• Establish the weight of a load and shift materials safely using lifting gear and communication signals
• Select, fit, test and remove attachments such as buckets, rippers and rock breakers within their design limits
• Relocate the excavator safely between worksites and carry out housekeeping on completion

On successful completion you receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations.

Performance Evidence

You must demonstrate excavator operations that safely and effectively follow workplace procedures on at least two occasions, using at least two different material types and activities, including:

• Conducting pre-start checks and shutdown procedures, and driving and operating the excavator to suit site conditions
• Completing operations including loading, bulk and trench excavation, stripping and spreading, stockpiling, battering and benching
• Selecting, fitting, testing, using and removing at least three certified attachments, such as buckets, a ripper, compaction wheel or rock breaker
• Assisting with loading and unloading the excavator from a float or trailer, and parking and securing equipment
• Locating and applying relevant documentation, policies and procedures, and wearing required PPE
• Applying safe work practices, problem solving and troubleshooting when operating equipment
• Establishing weight of load and managing changes in centre of gravity during transport
• Using hand, audible and other communication signals essential to safe completion of the work

Knowledge Evidence

You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

• Key policies and procedures, legislation and requirements for excavator operations, including isolation, emergencies, traffic control and operator fatigue
• Operational, maintenance and basic diagnostics, and chain of responsibility for loading and unloading equipment
• Equipment processes, technical capability and limitations, and ground and material conditions
• Basic principles of material technology and compaction, and civil construction activity sequences for road construction, earthworks and drainage